LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) – Living in New England, we all know the winter months can be a bear to find ways to recreate. But in Lebanon New Hampshire, a new climbing facility is in the works that will fill a much-needed void.
It may be winter, but there’s a lot of construction activity at a property just off Route 120 in Lebanon. It will soon be home to a new climbing center called the Notch, a nod to Franconia.
“It has been an idea for quite some time,” said co-owner Noah Lynd, who grew up in the area.
Lynd caught the climbing bug in Connecticut after meeting Josh Garrison. The climbing buddies decided to move back to the area to open the facility.
“It’s a great way to be outside, it’s a great way to learn new things, challenge yourself physically and also access beautiful places,” Lynd said.
The new climbing center will include multiple 45-foot walls for all ability levels.
“It’s a population that loves to be active and pursue things like this, and so we are excited to offer it year-round,” Lynd said.
The Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center across the river in Quechee has now been closed for several years.
“Ever since the Quechee facility closed down there has been a lack of places within reach,” said Paul Coats, the director of the Lebanon Recreation, Arts and Parks Department.
That facility used to be the go-to spot for students who took part in the Wall Climbers program run by the Lebanon Recreation, Arts, and Parks Department.
“We lost an entire group of kids that we were able to program for, so having the Notch come here, and right here in Lebanon is huge,” Coats said.
“We see the Notch as a major community resource,” Garrison said.
A resource all year long, including the region’s long cold winters.
“We certainly want to develop kids climbing programs, summer camps and have a place that all members of the community can come and spend time,” Garrison said.
The developers say the construction will continue through the winter months. They hope to have the Notch open to climbers by the fall.
